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Panama

Panama: Where Worlds Collide and Adventure Unfolds Panama is more than just a canal. It's a vibrant tapestry woven from lush rainforests, idyllic beaches, cosmopolitan cities, and a rich cultural heritage. Here, the Ame…

#Central America#Tropical#Panama Canal#Pacific Ocean#Colonial Architecture

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Panama.

Top Hotels in Panama City

Top Flights to Panama City

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Panama.

Tours

Explore the Panama Canal

Visit the Panama Canal, one of the greatest engineering marvels of the world, where you can see the massive locks and ships passing through.

Shopping

Shop at Albrook Mall

One of the largest malls in Latin America, offering a wide range of shops, dining options, and entertainment activities.

Outdoor

Hiking in Soberanía National Park

Explore the diverse wildlife and flora through the network of trails in Soberanía National Park, including the popular Pipeline Road.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Panama.

Currency

B/. | PAB | Panamanian Balboa

Population

4.6 million

Languages

Spanish, Spanish, English

Average weather

Panama

Jan

33°23°

Feb

34°23°

Mar

34°24°

Apr

33°24°

May

32°24°

Jun

31°24°

Jul

31°23°

Aug

31°23°

Sep

31°23°

Oct

30°23°

Nov

30°23°

Dec

31°23°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Panama.

What people love

Traveling to Panama, located in Central America, offers a variety of advantages and unique experiences. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Panama:

Natural Beauty: Panama is known for its stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore national parks, such as Soberanía National Park and Darien National Park, which offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
Panama Canal: One of the most famous attractions in Panama is the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Visitors can learn about the history and importance of the canal at the Miraflores Visitor Center and watch ships pass through the locks.
Cultural Diversity: Panama is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from indigenous peoples, Spanish colonizers, Afro-Caribbeans, and more. This cultural diversity is reflected in the country's music, dance, art, and cuisine, offering visitors a rich and vibrant experience.
Adventure Activities: Panama is a paradise for adventure seekers, with opportunities for activities such as zip-lining through the rainforest, surfing on the Pacific coast, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and hiking to hidden waterfalls. The country's diverse landscapes provide endless possibilities for outdoor adventures.
Affordability: Panama is relatively affordable compared to other tourist destinations in the region, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. Accommodation, food, and transportation can be found at a range of price points to suit different budgets.
Safety: Panama is considered one of the safest countries in Central America, with low crime rates compared to its neighbors. Travelers can explore the country with peace of mind and enjoy its attractions without major safety concerns.
Accessibility: Panama is well-connected by air, with direct flights from major cities in the United States, Europe, and other parts of Latin America. The country's main international airport, Tocumen International Airport, serves as a hub for travel within the region.

Overall, traveling to Panama offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural diversity, adventure activities, affordability, safety, and accessibility, making it a desirable destination for a wide range of travelers.

What to know

Traveling to Panama can have some cons that you should be aware of:

Weather: Panama experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and frequent rain showers, especially during the wet season from May to November. This might not be ideal for travelers who prefer dry weather.
Health Concerns: Like many tropical destinations, Panama has some health risks such as mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus. It is important to take necessary precautions and consult a healthcare professional before traveling.
Safety: While Panama is relatively safe for tourists, like any other destination, there are certain areas in the country that may have higher crime rates. It is important to stay vigilant and be cautious, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Language Barrier: While many Panamanians in the tourism industry speak English, the official language is Spanish. If you do not speak Spanish, you may encounter some challenges in communicating with locals outside tourist areas.
Cost of Living: Panama City, the capital, can be quite expensive compared to other destinations in Central America. Accommodation, dining, and transportation costs can add up, especially in touristy areas.
Tourist Crowds: Popular tourist destinations in Panama, such as Bocas del Toro and San Blas Islands, can get crowded during peak seasons. If you prefer a more secluded or off-the-beaten-path experience, you may want to explore lesser-known destinations.

Overall, while Panama is a beautiful and diverse destination with a lot to offer, it is essential to be aware of these cons and plan accordingly to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is a country located on the Isthmus of Panama in Central America, connecting North and South America. Its history is rich and diverse, marked by significant events, influential figures, and iconic landmarks.

Pre-Columbian Era

Indigenous Cultures: Before the arrival of Europeans, the region was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Cueva, Chibchan, and Chocoan peoples. These groups had their own social structures and cultures.

Spanish Colonization

1501: The first European to explore Panama was Rodrigo de Bastidas, followed by Christopher Columbus in 1502.
1510: The first permanent European settlement, Santa María la Antigua del Darién, was established by Vasco Núñez de Balboa.
1513: Balboa became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the New World, claiming the ocean and all lands adjoining it for Spain.
1519: Panama City was founded by Pedro Arias Dávila; it became an important hub for the Spanish colonial empire, facilitating the transfer of wealth from the Americas to Spain.

Colonial Period

1671: The original Panama City was destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan. It was subsequently moved to a new location, now known as Casco Viejo or San Felipe.
18th Century: Panama continued to be a key location for the Spanish colonial trade route known as the Camino Real and the Royal Path.

Independence and Colombian Rule

1821: Panama declared independence from Spain and joined the Republic of Gran Colombia, which included modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.
1831: After the dissolution of Gran Colombia, Panama became part of the Republic of New Granada, later renamed Colombia.

Path to Independence

Mid-19th Century: The California Gold Rush increased Panama’s strategic importance as a transit route, leading to the construction of the Panama Railroad, completed in 1855.
1903: Panama, with support from the United States, declared independence from Colombia. The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty was signed, granting the U.S. rights to build and control the Panama Canal Zone.

Panama Canal and U.S. Influence

1914: The Panama Canal was completed, dramatically reducing the travel time for ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and enhancing Panama's geopolitical significance.
1977: The Torrijos-Carter Treaties were signed, agreeing to transfer control of the canal from the United States to Panama by the end of 1999.

Modern Era

1989: Operation Just Cause was launched by the United States to depose Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, who was involved in drug trafficking.
1999: The Panama Canal was officially handed over to Panama on December 31.

Recent Developments

21st Century: Panama has become a significant banking and financial center, with the canal remaining central to its economy. The expansion of the Panama Canal was completed in 2016, allowing larger ships to pass through.

Significant Figures

Vasco Núñez de Balboa: European explorer who first crossed the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean.
Manuel Noriega: Military leader and de facto ruler of Panama until his removal by the United States.
Omar Torrijos: Military leader who played a key role in negotiating the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

Key Landmarks

Panama Canal: A marvel of engineering connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Casco Viejo: A historic district of Panama City, known for its colonial architecture.
Panama Viejo: The ruins of the original Panama City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Biomuseo: A museum in Panama City designed by Frank Gehry, focusing on the natural history of Panama.

Panama's history is one of strategic importance due to its geographical location, and its development has been influenced by a blend of indigenous, colonial, and modern global forces.